A smartwatch fits onto the wrist they already check for the time, adding steps, notifications, or a bit of both.
A smartwatch suits someone who already glances at their wrist and wants steps, sleep or workouts tracked. Check which phone it works with, how long the battery lasts and whether it has GPS. A fitness band is a simpler choice for someone who only wants the numbers.
Gift ideas
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GPS smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery in smartwatch mode. Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score with coaching and HRV status track recovery.
Smartwatch (GPS, 40mm) in a starlight aluminium case with a starlight sport band, size S/M. Always-on display, sleep score, heart rate alerts and temperature sensing, and 18-hour battery life with fast charging. Works with iPhone.
Smartwatch with temperature sensing, a daily sleep score, workout tracking, and fall and crash detection that can alert emergency contacts. Lasts 18 hours per charge, with 8 hours of battery from a 15-minute charge.
GPS smartwatch in ivory with an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery. Sleep score and coaching, HRV status, Body Battery energy tracking, 30+ sports apps from running to golf, and a wheelchair mode that counts pushes.
A smartwatch suits someone who already looks at their wrist: to check the time, count steps, follow a run or see who is calling. It is a good gift for a partner who has started exercising, a dad who tracks his walks, or anyone who has said they would like to sleep and move a bit better.
A fitness band is a smaller, simpler cousin. It tracks steps, sleep and heart rate with a slim screen and a long battery, and it suits someone who wants the numbers without a second screen on their arm.
What to look for in a smartwatch
Which phone they use. Most work with both iPhone and Android, but a few features, or a whole watch, may suit one brand of phone only. The listing says which.
Battery life. Some last about a day, others several days or weeks. A watch that needs charging every night is easy to forget.
GPS. Built-in GPS records a walk, run or ride without the phone. It matters most for someone who exercises outdoors.
Water resistance. Check the listing before they swim or surf in it. Resistance to rain and a shower is not the same as being made for swimming.
Fit and strap. The case size and strap should suit their wrist. A small wrist wears a large case awkwardly.
Health features. Sleep tracking, heart rate and workout modes are common. These are wellness aids, and they are not medical devices.
When a smartwatch is the wrong gift
If they love a particular watch they wear every day, a smartwatch will sit in the box. If they dislike notifications, or don't want another device to charge, they'll feel the watch as a chore. A dress watch, or a fitness band with a long battery, can suit them better.
Frequently asked questions
Will a smartwatch work with their phone?
Most work with both iPhone and Android, but some features, or a whole watch, are made for one brand of phone. The listing says which phones it supports, so check it against the phone the person actually uses.
How long should a smartwatch battery last?
It varies widely. A full-featured watch may need charging every day or two, while a fitness band or a sports watch can last for a week or more. A longer battery suits someone likely to forget the charger.
Is a fitness band a better gift than a smartwatch?
It depends on the person. A band is slimmer, simpler and lasts longer between charges, which suits someone who wants steps and sleep only. A smartwatch adds a larger screen, maps and apps, which suits someone who wants more.
